Why Women’s Health 'Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Women’s health involves their emotional, social and physical wellbeing and is determined by the social, political and economic context of their lives, as well as by biology.’ (U.N. Platform for Action, Beijing, 1995) 'Women are different from men. Vive la difference! Although the difference is not news to most of us, it is still being discovered in healthcare. Often, healthcare has been dispensed as if "one size fits all" … Women need healthcare tailored to women’s bodies and mindful of women’s social roles. There are some conditions that affect more women than men, such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and eating disorders. There are some conditions that affect women differently than they affect men. Heart attacks and AIDS are two of many serious conditions that doctors sometimes overlook in women, because the signs and symptoms look different than they do in men. And there are some conditions that only affect women, such as pregnancy, childbirth and menopause. But too often, reproductive health is what "women’s health" is seen to be. Women’s health is much more than this.’ (Canadian Health Network, Canada 2003)   At WHIN we recognise that the health and wellbeing of each woman is determined by the social, cultural and economic factors governing her life, not only her physical health status. Poverty, childcare responsibilities, single parenthood, low wages, domestic violence and sexual assault are just some of these factors.   We work in ways to create the best possible health outcomes for women. Our work supports women to identify and exercise choices about their health, and to make informed decisions. Who is WHIN WHIN operates under the direction of a voluntary Board of Management made up of 10 women elected and appointed by WHIN's membership. Six women are elected from the membership and an additional four positions are reserved for representatives from local organisations and relevant health/community sectors. Currently WHIN has representation from a hospital, a migrant resource centre, a community health service, and a woman with health promotion expertise. Formally, half of the Board members are from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds or from organisations whose major focus is on working with  culturally and linguistically diverse communities.  Day-to-day, WHIN's work is carried out by a staff group. Top of Page Women's Health In the North staff members.